The number and value of building permits issued through the RPGA Planning District is on the rise.
According to figures for the first six months of the year, 55 building permits worth $12.4 million dollars have been issued so far. That's up from 36 permits worth $9.6 million for the same period in 2023.
Lucie Maynard, General Manager for the planning district, can only assume the increase is thanks to changes in the market.
"Interest rates going down. Lumber prices finally, slowly coming down. I'm thinking there's just more appetite to start building."
In total, 24 permits have been doled out for Altona with a value of $5.1 million. The majority, noted Maynard, for residential improvements such as decks, basement renovations and house additions.
In the Municipality of Rhineland, 31 permits were issued in the first half of the year for a value of $7.2 million. The majority, again, for residential improvements with single-family dwellings as well.
With most of the permits have been for home renovations, Maynard did note that news housing starts have increased with duplexes, 4-plexes, 6 & 8-plexes in both Rhineland and Altona.
"My expectation for the second half of the year is more of the same with a constant/steady stream of permits coming in," added Maynard, noting an average of two permits a day are coming into her office.